Letters from the Past

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In 1944 my grandfather crossed the Atlantic to join the European Campaign of World War 2. Season 1 of this podcasts covers that letters from my grandfather to my grandmother during the war. This was the jumping off point for additional seasons focused on correspondence in other points in time on different topics.

Scott Ginther


    • Nov 2, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Letters from the Past

    Season 4: Episode 6: Myerstown Pennsylvania; March 16-31, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 8:15


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 4: Episode 5: Myerstown, PA March 1 - 15, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 8:01


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 4: Episode 4: Myerstown Pennsylvania, February 15-28, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 6:52


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 4: Episode 3: February 1 - 14th, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 8:24


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 4: Episode 2: January 16-31st, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 7:49


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 4: Episode 1: January 1 - January 15th, 1955

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 8:18


    In this season of Letters from the Past, we're returning to the 20th century. Specifically, Myerstown, PA a small town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Instead of using letters as the primary source for these episodes, I'm using the journal of one woman who's name is never directly given. Her husband's name is John and her son's name is Ronnie. The entries are short and to the point but give a glimpse into living in rural America in 1955. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 3: Episode 3: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886 (Final Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 9:04


    This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s. A married woman cannot make a deed without her husband's sign either in New York or Ohio. Had I not better send back to you the one I have and get another one. I shall take your advice what is best to do. It is not worth while to spend any more time or money on it. It will be sold for taxes in a short time and if I want it I can bid it. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Season 3: Episode 2: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio 1885-1886

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 5:44


    This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s. It has been a long litigation and a large bill of cost to be paid by parties owning in the premises. I have Misses Mead's letters wishing me to tend to it for her and we are all equally bound if we get any thing we have a large bill of cost to pay.

    Season 3: Episode 1: Land Purchase in Northern Ohio, May 1884

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 4:44


    This episode focuses on the attempted purchase of land in the Sandusky, Ohio area by EJ Lockwood in the 1880s.

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 8: May 1969 (Final Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 7:50


    This is the final episode of the season focusing on correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease sufferer and different doctors around the world as they work towards a treatment for the disease. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 7: February - April 1967

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 8:53


    This episode centers around the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and his doctors as they push for a treatment of the disease. While in England this past summer we consulted Lord Brain just prior to his untimely death. He was able to pinpoint my Parkinson's as being a result of Asian flu which I contracted in New Zealand eight years ago. We went on to Romania to see Dr. Anna Aslan in Bucharest. Her treatment is to slow down the progress of Parkinson's and has helped me considerably. She injects 5 cc of her solution daily. This has relieved the rigidity in my face and muscles as well as giving me strength to my muscles. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 6: December 1966 - February 1967

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 7:56


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and his doctors as they search for a treatment. We do hope you are continuing to make progress and that your booklet proves to be an inspiration to those reading it. Dr. Aslan's serum continues to keep me mobile but without it for a few days I become very depressed and slowed down physically. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 5: March - December 1966

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 11:13


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease patient and multiple doctors as they search for a treatment for the disease. Dr. Greer's failure to obtain with dopa any beneficial effect in parkinsonism stands to some extent in contrast to our own findings. I now should like to ask you whether you could help me in solving a financial problem I am faced with. I am referring to one of your previous letters in which you were kind enough to offer me, if needed, financial help for my research work. Your excellent paper was read by all with great interest and Dr. Aslan took it back to Romania with her. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 4: February-March 1966

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2020 11:15


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease patient and his doctors as they search for a treatment for the disease. Can you advise us of the theory behind these ice baths? It would certainly help me to endure the tortures if I knew more of the reasons why these baths are of aid to the Parkinson's patient. I was distressed to learn that the medications had ceased to have any effect but regrettably this is an old story with your problem. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 3: January, February 1966

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 11:12


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's disease sufferer and multiple doctors as all parties push for a cure. Some of the correspondence is from Dr. Oleh Hornykiewicz whose research was essential in the creation of treatment still used to this day. You are indeed right about the progressive character of Parkinson's Disease. Two years ago I was able to walk any distance with a slight limp. Now my range due to weakness is 200 yards. I have asked the National Parkinson's Foundation to send you a copy of a book containing reports on the Symposium held at Miami Beach April 9, 1964. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 2: November - December 1965

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 12:16


    In this episode we get a look at the patient's initial analysis after time at the Wellesley Hospital and hear about some exciting advancements in the research for a cure. A few moments ago I dictated a note to the people in Sweden and to Dr. Barbau in Montreal, for reprints of their latest articles on this subject. Your response to a concentrated therapeutic programme has encouraged me to explore the whole area in detail, and to think very seriously about the prospect of establishing a specific clinical and research unit at the Wellesley Hospital. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Parkinson's Disease: Episode 1: January 3rd & October 12th, 1965

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 10:23


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a Parkinson's Disease patient and his Dr. in 1965 as they search for a treatment. Your physiotherapy department might be interested to know that in walking on a patterned floor at the airport I could walk easily 300 yards without stopping as long as I had a target square tile to aim at with my left foot. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 84: October 29-30, 1945 (Final Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2020 8:29


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. This evening I've been playing cards with myself and baking potatoes to eat before I go to bed. The school kids had some books and out of curiosity I looked at them and saw there was quite a lot about Hitler's regime. These books were supposed to be destroyed some time ago. Letters are slowly getting posted to GintherScott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 83: October 19-26, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 11:16


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Yesterday we went to Dachau and saw the concentration camp. There is not much to see now. Everything is all fixed up and it is now used to imprison S.S. troops. Well when I found that out I really blew up. I never stopped until I told Major Brown, Battalion Commander what I thought. He did everything to cool me off. I told him that I wasn't doing one more thing that I have quit and he could send someone else to take over S4. Letters are slowly getting posted to gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 82: October 8-17, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 11:52


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. I took time out to listen to the final three innings of that sixth game. Betty I sure wish we could have been there. That was a remarkable game. Now I'm all set for the 7th and last game. About nine o'clock last night there was a little trouble in this town. A young man of about 19 took a small boy about nine and gave him a terrific beating. Well it made me so mad I arrested the man. Betty if our country does one more damn thing for England, I would be willing to go through this last year again, just to defeat her the way Germany is. I'm slowly posting these letters to Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 81: October 2-7, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2020 9:28


    This episode centers around the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Betty today I was offered the job of Div. Quartermastor, it calls for a major, I turned it down. I want to get out of this army. If I got that type of a job I would be sure to have to stay for many months. You see there is an order that no men who held a Nazi Party job or Public job from 1933-1945 may remain in office. Well all the rest of the men were in the army. And no army man was allowed to belong to any Political party, so they are the only people now eligible to hold public jobs. Letters are slowly getting posted to Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 80: September 23-30, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 11:33


    This episode centers on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. We had roast chicken for dinner today. Sure was good. Geo and I ate all we could. Then at three this afternoon we ate baked potatoes. Our stove in the living room has an oven, so it is no job to bake them at all. Well by supper time neither of us could eat. And it is about nine o'clock now, we still aren't hungry. This afternoon I saw Major Brown about the provisional battery they are forming. All the batteries except HQ are coming to my town and I'm to command this battery. In it will be 28 jeeps, 28 6x6, and 9 ¾ ton trucks. About ten times too much transportation. Well that is my job for tomorrow. So I'll be quite busy again. Letter are slowly getting posted to GintherScott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 79: September 14-22, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 9:59


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Nally the other day decided to drive a tank. Well he came hell bent into the Service Battery area and started to skid. Well when he stopped, he was in the living room of a house with everything on top of the tank. This is one reason I want to get home so badly. I want to get our married life started again. It isn't any good to be away from each other so long. Letters are slowly getting posted to Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 78: September 6-11, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 9:28


    This episode centers around the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. As the column of tanks went thru there, the number two tank ran up over the back of a jeep parked on the side of the road. Well there is nothing left of the jeep but junk. Capt Shelton, White, Wallace and myself took the sedan and went to Nuremberg to see the final game of the baseball season. Shelton did a little too much hollering, so wasn't able to talk much the rest of the day. Letters are slowly getting posted to Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 77: September 1-6, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2020 8:58


    This episode centers around the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Slept most of the afternoon and tonight the mess sgt had banana cream pie for me. So you see I got this new man on the ball. Wednesday I start turning equipment in. It will mean a ride of about 75 miles to turn in the m-7s, 105 hand guns. But every time I turn in something it is just that much closer home. Letters are gradually being posted on Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 76: August 26th-31st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2020 9:14


    This episode centers on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Everyone is getting terrible. Today we have a pair of 10 ouce binoculars out watching the couples walk back to the woods. It is so damn obvious what they are going into the woods for. I was surprised that you got the book “Forever Amber” In desperation to have something to do I read a little of that book. I gave up where Bruce shipped out and Amber was in the prison for debt. At that time I became so disgusted with the immorality of the book I gave it up. While a little behind, letters are being posted at Gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 75: August 17th - 24th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 10:21


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. All morning we sat around talking about nothing in particular. And this afternoon I slept until now. It 4:00 P.M. with all this time on my hands. All day today we stayed in the house and just looked at each other. We did play a fun game of hearts. They are playing hearts right now, only I got out, and I'm going to bed. Janey I sure wish I could get home before Xmas. There are rumors we may ship in either November or December. While I'm behind, letters are being posted to Gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 74: August 10-16, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 9:06


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain stationed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Do you think the war with Japan is over. I hope so. Then I can come home to you. Return to normal life. Well honey it is all over. It really don't seem possible. Thank god I out lived this war, but Janey many of times I thought it was all over for me. I really hope I never have to go thru anything like this again. I'm a little behind, but posting letters on my website, Gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 73: August 5-9, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 9:51


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Had very nice billets there and had a bath, a evening meal and breakfast. Saturday morning left there and stopped in Heidelberg and went thru the castle. It is completely destroyed. Betty I miss you terribly tonight. I think I would do anything to be home in your arms. I just don't know what to do with myself. Please write often cause I'm going to have to depend on you for plenty now. I'm writing this sitting in a soft chair and it makes my writing worse. Letters are being posted at Gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 72: July 16-26th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 9:06


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Betty it is awful hard to do anything now. You just feel like saying the hell with every thing and go about with some thing that will give you some enjoyment. The ride from the autobahn to Berchtesgaden, was beautiful. Very steep hills and usually they had a stream of water coming down the side in water falls fashion. Letters at Gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 71: July 11-15th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2020 7:31


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain deployed in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. I sure hope I get to come home with the division in September, but I'll be surprised if I do. Today I've been on my bed ⅔ of the day. It is too damn hot (86) to wear our wool uniforms. Yet we have nothing else to wear. Tonight I am sitting around in my pajamas. Letters at Gintherscott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 70: July 8-10, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 8:04


    Letters from an U.S. Army Captain deployed to Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Janey I'm not sure what is in store for me but I surely wish that whatever it is, it happens soon. I would rather get occupation than to go to the Pacific. Here are two pictures of a group of Germans. In one you can see the dress of the German girl, not much different from American. In the other notice the kids, women, and old men. You never see any men from 18 to 40. They just aren't to be found. Maybe that is why the soldiers are having such a good time. Letters at GintherScott.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 69: July 1-7th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 8:26


    This episode centers around the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. I been so cold the last two days that you have to have a fire to keep warm. Write now I'm in the kitchen writing and tending the fire. Honey this is a hell-of-a-way to spend the 4th of July. I hope next year that all wars are over and that I'm home with you for good. I'm posting the letters to gintherscott.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    World War 2: Episode 68: June 25th - 30th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 6:15


    This episode centers around the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, located in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. The Battalion really found out about redeployment when it was alerted to transfer all men with the adjusted service rating score of 74 and below to medium artillery battalions of the XXI Corps. This afternoon 1st Sergeant Dykes and myself made a trip of the area trying to get eggs for breakfast. No luck, maybe will be able to get some tomorrow. While a little behind I'm posting letters on gintherscott.com

    World War 2: Episode 67: June 22-24th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 6:29


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. The battalion won the afternoon softball and volleyball games from the 23rd Armored Infantry Battalion by scores of 6 to 1 and 2 to 0. I've never seen so much carrying on as there is going on now. Officers are worse than the men, I believe. At least the men aren't so open with it. We get a rubber issued each month for the men. Well honey they have used up ½ of July's issue already. Don't mention this to people at home. It's just as good they don't know exactly what goes on.

    World War 2: Episode 66: June 18-21st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2020 6:39


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Lectures were given to Hq and "A" Batteries by Major Shirley, Chaplain Barth, and Capt Bryer, the new Medical Officer, on the "Control of Venereal Disease." Put the halftrack in front of the Poles' camp and fired about two bursts with the machine guns. Then took my jeep in and fired about ten rounds with the 40 cal. Pistol. And then the eight fellows that caused all the trouble came out, and that ended the trouble.

    World War 2: Episode 65: June 13-17th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2020 7:25


    This episode focuses on the correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Armored Division, located in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Organization of the area had to be continued and the Battery Commanders were called to discuss the rising rate of venereal disease in the battalion. Well yesterday I was ordered mind you ordered, to fix a special dinner next Friday night for Col Martin & Div Artillery Exec Major Weber and himself. And mind you to be served on a sun porch, not at the kitchen or officer mess. He wants steaks, fresh peas, french fried potatoes and two deserts. Honey that is the lowest form of Ass kiss I ever seen, Pardon me. Then last night I just laid about and thought over many of things, but as usual I never get any place thinking.

    World War 2: Episode 64: June 10-12th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 8:35


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in the 7th Armored Division, 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. The new week was started appropriately on Sunday, June 10th with Protestant and Catholic services held in the battalion area. Betty there are ten Polish, German speaking girls here to one German, German speaking girl. They have found out if they say they are Polish they can go with American soldiers. And tell me honey how can you tell the difference between a Polish and German girl? Another officer party tonight. It will be the same old stuff. Sit around and drink. In our apartment we have a bath, kitchen, living room, dining room and bathroom. That isn't bad is it honey?

    World War 2: Episode 63: June 7th - 9th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 7:01


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from a U.S. Captain in the 7th Armored Division, 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, located in Konnern Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. A new entertainment facility was added by the reception of five record players from the division Signal officer. Dykes has gone to find some wine and 3 officers are out looking for some German girls. This non-fraternization policy is the worst farce of the Military government. Spent the morning in painting half tracks and then this afternoon it rained. Now this evening it is very warm again, so will probably get rain again. Betty over here we are on parade or review every time we step out of the house. Everyone watches every move we make.

    World War 2: Episode 62: June 3-6, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 8:09


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Konnern, Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. He is in the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, Seventh Armored Division. The battalion felt its first touch of redeployment as Captain Swanson, Battalion Medical Officer, was transferred to the 104th Division. For once in their life they had too many girls. Some became tired because nobody would dance with them and went home. The morals of the Germans are not very good. A girl of seventeen or eighteen think of only one thing. And each night they parade up and down in front of the battery area. I know damn well this no fraternization policy is not effective.

    World War 2: Episode 61: May 28th - June 1st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 6:13


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Konnern, Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. A battalion movie theatre was set up in Konnern, and plans were made for battalion, battery and division volleyball, softball, and hardball teams. I'm ashamed of myself for not writing in the last five days. But Betty I had two meetings and two court martials so that took care of every night and with payday yesterday, I've been kept busy.

    World War 2: Episode 60: May 20th - 27th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 9:57


    This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Intensive and complete maintenance of vehicles and all other equipment was begun in this area. This was the most satisfactory maintenance opportunity accorded since we arrived on the continent in August 1944. I heard about a brewer (a place to purchase beer) and I went there and made a deal for beer for the battalion. I was astonished at the cost 5 cents a quart. It really makes it a very cheap drink to serve. Betty I finally hired a housekeeper for my house. She's worse looking than “Gravel Gertie” but she does clean up after us. Now all I need is a fireman to keep hot water.

    World War 2: Episode 59: May 18th - 19th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 5:43


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany and his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. In my area I have three towns all with normal populations of 500-700. Well, I've got 1,600 in all of them now. And fifty more people coming tomorrow. Food is the big problem to handle.

    World War 2: Episode 58: May 8th - 14th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 6:08


    This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Hq Battery had two wineries in their area, and the contents of both were well depleted by official requisitions. I have found approximately 16,000 gallons of wine. And if you don't think I'm having a time with it, you're wrong. Everyone wants 10 or 20 gallons of it and then they come back the next day drunk.

    World War 2: Episode 57: May 2nd - 7th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 6:28


    This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Berlin capitulated today. Many refugees collected from roads. Well honey as yet they haven't announced the end of this war in Europe but it is almost a known fact that it is all over. Janey, you can't visualize what I seen for days. Germans coming down the road in Germany vehicles, their women and everything, giving up to anyone who were to take them.

    World War 2: Episode 56: April 30th - May 1st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 5:59


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. All personnel were billeted in houses for the period of occupation with strong interior guard posted to control civilian or infiltration of hostile troops from surrounding woods. Janey I have a wonderful set up in this town. I have a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath for myself and Lt. Blanchette. If I stay here very long I believe I'll get a housekeeper to keep the place clean, and wash my clothes. What do you think?

    World War 2: Episode 55: April 22nd - 27th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2020 5:47


    This episode focuses on the World War 2 correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. Alerted for movement on 24 April, but no move made. USO shows and movies provided entertainment. Do you remember one year from today? I sure do. If you don't it was the day you and I broke up housekeeping and I started for the E.T.O. Well thank goodness I'm the same now as I was then only a year older. Well not much to report. Tonight I played football for about two hours and every bone in my body aches now. Received 3 lbs of candy from you yesterday. And honey that really tastes good too.

    World War 2: Episode 54: April 15th - 21st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2020 8:56


    This episode focuses on the correspondence between a U.S. Army Captain in Germany and his wife in Three Oaks, Michigan. House which the command post occupied today belonged to German prisoner now in Camp Bowie, Texas, prisoner for about two years. Every time we come out of the line you wonder just how lucky you are. And if it will just hold out. I wonder if we will ever go up again? I sure hope not.

    World War 2: Episode 53: April 7th - 14th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 20:30


    This episode focuses on correspondence from an U.S. Army Captain to his wife in Michigan. About 27,000 allied prisoners, mostly Russians, liberated by our forces. Some Mongolians in group. President Roosevelt's death reported. I've sure had enough of this. People at home think this is over, well actually Janey it is harder now than ever, a reason I guess is they are using everything they know of except gas. God knows that I hope nothing like that will ever be used.

    World War 2: Episode 52: April 2nd - 6th, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 13:15


    This episode centers on World War 2 correspondence from a U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Michigan. At 0615 on Thursday, 5 April, the battalion moved to Niedersfeld, where we closed at 0730. This town proved to be a hot spot with B Battery suffering two casualties, one fatal due to heavy artillery shelling in their area about 0900.00 The reason why we get such a good set up is that civilians and soldiers can't live in the same house. Therefore we had all the civilians move out and take over completely. How would you like to have an officer knock on your door and say I'm going to take over your house. Then tell you, you have an hour to get out and stay out. Well Janey that is what your husband does. Man, woman or children all the same.

    World War 2: Episode 51: March 23rd - April 1st, 1945

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 16:01


    This episode focuses on World War 2 correspondence from a U.S. Army Captain in Germany to his wife in Michigan. Word was flashed back by radio that Lt Douglas, Lt Haas, and the 1/4 ton driver, Pfc Devine, had been seriously wounded by some as yet undetermined type of enemy weapon or grenade which had burst in the middle of the vehicle. Honey this is just one of those days when I can't seem to write. All I can think about is you. Not writing. But how you look, how it would seem to hold you, kiss you, how you walk, talk and even what you would look like asleep. I'd do anything to be with you.

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